25.4 Revelation – Peace and Prosperity

We long for peace and prosperity. Every beauty queen discusses her desire for “World Peace”. We save for it, we plan for it, we work for it, we negotiate for it, we make sacrifices to some day have it, we lobby, vote, spend, talk, sing and shed blood to obtain it.

But it can be incredibly corrosive as well. Because we are fallen men, we are not pure or without sin, sinful thought, sinful desires and sinful urges. Times of peace and prosperity foster outstanding growth. Babies are born, strength in built, things get done. But, unfortunately, in these same environments many of the negative cancers grow as well.

Looking back at history, it is during times of peace and prosperity that sin and debauchery grew to new levels. People feel self confident. They do not turn to God for help because they convince themselves they don’t need help. Instead they write the rules, or throw out all rules. They redefine right to be anything they want to do, anything that feels good. The only wrong are those who do not go along with the deception.

Even in a time of the reign of Jesus Christ. Even for 1000 when mankind grows immeasurably in number and stature. Even with all nations under one ruler, one economy, one set of leaders who don’t die and don’t end their service (they were already raised from the dead). Even in this period, the cancer of sinful man festers.

When Satan is freed, all it takes is a lie, a deception, for men to fall in line behind him. Not only speaking out. Not only in words or quiet revolt – but to have fallen so far as to take up arms against one who cannot die or be harmed. One who has demonstrated His love and peace and joy and giving for 1000 years.

We need to keep this in mind the next time we face trials and tribulations, persecution and hardships. Maybe these things are like medications or chemo-therapy or radiation. While they may be difficult for us to endure, they may be even harder on the sin in our lives and around us and they may be making us better, stronger, healed and saved in the long run.

My Answers:

9.
a.
goes out to deceive the nations in the 4 corners of the earth (Gog and Magog) and to gather them for battle
Men are easily lured by temptation and deceived – once deceived they are willing to stand and fight for the deception

b.
Thrown alive into the lake of burning sulfur tormented day and night for ever and ever

10.
a.
That after 1000 of Jesus’ reign, men were ready to rise up against Him. so easily defiled – with a sin nature

b.
through eyes first – we look, then body follows. This was true with Eve and has remained. The desires of the flesh and pride are strong sinful urges.